Is Arrivabene set to be replaced by Binotto?

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Maurizio Arrivabene's days at the helm of the Scuderia could be numbered according to reports from German broadcaster Sky F1.

The Italian team manager looks set to become collateral damage following Ferrari's disastrous performance in Asia, with tech boss Mattia Binotto taking over as the Italian squad's director.

After mishaps in Singapore and unacceptable reliability woes in Malaysia, an angry Sergio Marchionne vowed to effect change, mainly by improving Ferrari's quality control department by promoting Maria Mendoza, an expert in metals and chemicals, from another unit within the Fiat-Chrysler group.

The virtual collapse of Ferrari's title chances has left Sebastian Vettel 59 points adrift from Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton on the eve of the US Grand Prix, with only four races to go this season.

According to Germany's Sky F1, Arrivabene could leave Ferrari at the end of the season, with Binotto slotted in at the top.

The 47-year-old engineer headed Ferrari's engine department in 2015 but was later promoted to technical director following the departure of former tech chief James Allison.

Channel 4 pundit Eddie Jordan also chimed in on the subject of Arrivabene's future.

"A very reliable source - and I have to believe them - said the decision has been made at Ferrari, a few days ago, and Maurizio Arrivabene may not be with the team next year."

The usual disclaimer applies when it comes from Jordan: take it with a big grain of salt!

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